Smith's Diamond Rod -- experiences?

[schofer]

Hi,

I just made an impulse buy at Lowes -- a Smith's diamond sharpening rod for 5 bucks -- on sale. It seemed like a great form-factor for portable use. (Better than carrying a sharpmaker!)

Here's what it looks like:
http://www.rei.com/product/726793

I searched, but couldn't find much info on it.

Anyone tried it? I'd appreciate any info. For $5, I'm not exactly confident that it will hold up or do a good job.

S.

p.s. I'll probably get curious this weekend and try it out... in which case I'll report back.

 

[citizensoldierNY]

schofer,
I have a similiar item made by Gerber and it does a decent job fast but blade doesn't look as nice when done. As for smiths I just recently bought their 3 stone diamond kit that was linked to the page you linked to, glad to see I got it at about $16 less than REI's price, and it works great. Easy to use , fast, and gets knives really sharp. I'm guessing you'll be pleased with the sharpener you just got, as long as your not expecting the perfect edge from it and just intend to use it for a quick resharpen in the field.

 

[3wolves]

I have one but I only use it for serrations and recurves. It is too slow as a main sharpening tool and is too small for larger blades. I sharpen with arkansas stones and you can't do serrations or recurves with them so that is all I use it for. It is good for quick touch ups on the go as long as you don't get your knife too dull.